Book description
Winner of the 2023 PROSE Award for Excellence in Biological and Life Sciences and the 2023 Chautauqua Prize! Named a New York Times Notable Book and a Best Book of the Year by The Economist, Oprah Daily, BookPage, Book Riot, the New York Public Library, and more! In The Song of the Cell, the extraordinary author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Emperor of All Maladies and the #1 New York Times bestseller The Gene "blends cutting-edge research, impeccable scholarship, intrepid reporting, and gorgeous prose into an encyclopedic study that reads like a literary page-turner" (Oprah Daily). Mukherjee begins this magnificent story in the late 1600s, when a distinguished English polymath, Robert Hooke, and an eccentric Dutch cloth-merchant, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek looked down their handmade microscopes. What they saw introduced a radical concept that swept through biology and medicine, touching virtually every aspect of the two sciences, and altering both forever. It was the fact that complex living organisms are assemblages of tiny, self-contained, self-regulating units. Our organs, our physiology, our selves--hearts, blood, brains--are built from these compartments. Hooke christened them "cells." The discovery of cells--and the reframing of the human body as a cellular ecosystem--announced the birth of a new kind of medicine based on the therapeutic manipulations of cells. A hip fracture, a cardiac arrest, Alzheimer's dementia, AIDS, pneumonia, lung cancer, kidney failure, arthritis, COVID pneumonia--all could be reconceived as the results of cells, or systems of cells, functioning abnormally. And all could be perceived as loci of cellular therapies. Filled with writing so vivid, lucid, and suspenseful that complex science becomes thrilling, The Song of the Cell tells the story of how scientists discovered cells, began to understand them, and are now using that knowledge to create new humans. Told in six parts, and laced with Mukherjee's own experience as a researcher, a doctor, and a prolific reader, The Song of the Cell is both panoramic and intimate--a masterpiece on what it means to be human. "In an account both lyrical and capacious, Mukherjee takes us through an evolution of human understanding: from the seventeenth-century discovery that humans are made up of cells to our cutting-edge technologies for manipulating and deploying cells for therapeutic purposes" (The New Yorker).
Sokol
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
WanderWord
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Twitch
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Thunder Tank
πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Star Sword
I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Round Kick Boomer
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes.
TulipCake
Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
Midnight Bat
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
Dallas Burn
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
Juno Cream
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Hemingway Mirmillone
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
TrixiePhany
πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
Pistol Hydro
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
West Warrior
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Truth
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Digital Moonshine
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
NemesisX
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Sleepwalker
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again.
Sidewalk Enforcer
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Gumby Train
This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience